Former longtime Statesman reporter Dan Popkey, shown here discussing the Legislature at a 2011 meeting of the City Club of Boise.

For nearly 30 years reporter Dan Popkey has been pounding the streets of Boise and haunting the halls of the Statehouse, covering politics and the Legislature for the Idaho Statesman. That career started on the police beat, but led him to such high-profile stories as the sex scandal surrounding former U.S. Sen. Larry Craig—which earned him a Pulitzer nomination in 2007—and, more recently, taking on a larger role as a commentator on Idaho politics.

According to an announcement from Idaho Congressman Raul Labrador's office Aug. 29, Popkey, 55, is moving on from the Statesman to serve as press secretary for the Republican House member, known for frequent appearances on national television programs. As of July 6, Labrador has appeared nine times on NBC's Meet the Press.

Making note of Popkey's long experience as an observer of state politics, Labrador stated that "Dan will help me better communicate my message to constituents and the media."

For his part, Popkey applauded Labrador's "independence, integrity and fierce commitment to setting our nation's fiscal house in order," and said he is "thrilled with the opportunity to apply what I've learned to help advance our state's priorities in Washington."

Popkey will remain in Idaho, running Labrador's national press operations from the congressman's office in Meridian. According to the Statesman, Popkey's resignation from the paper is effective immediately.